What makes a Cd player a Great cd player

Speaking of hiss, in the recording studios, many musicians and engineers dislike Dolby noise reduction because they feel it makes the music sound dull for, among other reasons, removal of the hiss. Since the tape hiss is a constant, as opposed to a random pop or click on an LP, the ear tends to ignore it, as we do the constant din of human existence. The hiss becomes perceived as brighter = better high frequency response, mostly when A/B'd against a tape using noise reduction.

If I had an option, and I had to sell either my turntable or my cdp, I would do the turntable, no questions asked. With that said,maybe that will make you understand what I mean when I say I prefer the sound of vinyl over cd. I dont expect to be able to get the sound nor do I want all the pop and click associated with vinyl. I have however learned to tune them out. I consider it to be a tradeoff for the naturalism of the instruments. Thats the only thing I miss from a cd player, and would love to have. My original post was asked wondering if I was to spend the type money mentioned if I could possibly get close to it. Some said No, some said yes. so its still undebateable. I personally think speakers play a bigger part than mentioned. I have noticed with my ribbons vs the wharfedales that are now sold, there was a very big difference. From past conversations on this topic, the suggestion that tubed equipemnt also seem to mellow down the sound. I listen to a lot of Jazz. Certain sax pieces I cant stand because of the forwardness. Would that be with any cdp? I have noticed however since switching to my Emotiva, or maybe since switching speakers, I actually find myself falling asleep listening, which I could not always do because of the forwardness. Now do I make any sense in my question?

Most audiophile components endeavor to accurately reproduce the recording. Many recordings of jazz sax have an edge or bite because the instrument itself has an edge or bite depending how it's played.

If you want your system to smooth out what's on the recording, then I believe it's going to be difficult to find that characteristic in an audiophile component. Member Mrtennis has been looking for this unsuccessfully for years...and he became a reviewer to gain access to hearing more gear.

Have you considered adding an equalizer (help me...the blasphemy!)?

I ACTUALLY HAVE ONE THAT I USE TO USE. I would prefer not to use it for the fear of keeping the signal as pure as possible. My preamp actually has no tone controls for the same purpose. Is that to say it would be a noticable difference? I doubt it. But they have been known to.

How about a marriage between cd and analog. I am happy to have an LP copy of The Modern Jazz Quartet live at Carnegie Hall to play on my CDP courtesy of an engineer.

Very low surface noise (those old engineers have it nailed) so cd playback is all about enjoying the performance. Direct to disc? Ha.